Review 634: Sleeping in Florence, San Lorenzo Apartments

When

July 3-7, 4 Nights

Location

The apartment (Lepri apartment) was located on Borgo San Lorenzo, a half block from the Duomo, in the heart of historical Florence. As a matter of fact, one of the oldest restaurants in Florence is on the ground level. There were several rental apartments in the building, but it was very quiet. We felt the area was perfect for our stay since we were very near all of the tourist attractions, yet had our peace and quiet at night. We also felt very safe there.

This particular apartment was 70 steps up, but we didn't mind with trying to work off all that great Italian food.

You can view the various apartments in the building, each with various accommodations for different numbers of people. We were very pleased with the accomodations overall.

Nearby Amenities

There were numerous restaurants and cafes just outside our door, which was very convenient. We were also near the busiest market area, without being right in the middle of it. There was a grocery store about two blocks north, which had everything we needed.

The House/Apartment

The building was newly renovated, as were the apartments. Everything was in good shape. The landlord thought of everything right down to glowing light switches for navigating the stairwell at night. The apartment itself had all modern conveniences, including satellite televsion, telephone, CD player and radio, along with washing machine. The decor was also very modern.

Garden

There was no outside sitting area, but there was a very small sitting area up in the loft bedroom, which overlooked the Duomo. It was not actually enough room for two people to sit in, but we could hang out the window and admire the Duomo Cathedral and Campanille.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

The furniture was in good shape and comfortable. The bed in the loft bedroom was comfortable, but since the A/C blew mostly in the lower level of of the apartment, we opted to open the futon sofa for sleeping, and loved awakening to the sight of San Lorenzo Dome with swallows swooping around it each morning. We were very comfortable sleeping on the futon in the living room.

There was also a dining table with two chairs, and the apartment was clean upon arrival.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The bedroom was in a loft upstairs (watch your head) with plenty of closet and storage space. The bathroom was downstairs (another reason for our decision to sleep down there), with all adequate modern facilities. Shower, toilet, bidet, sink and plenty of cabinet space.

Kitchen

The kitchen had everything we needed for preparing simple meals. Refrigerator, freezer, pots, pans, dishes, US coffee maker, microwave, etc. The kitchen was very nice, and it was one room with the living and dining area, but plenty of adequate space for two persons.

Problems or Bonuses

We were met by the landlord's friend/agent and she was very helpful in showing us around the apartment, as well as how the washing machine and other appliances worked. We also had the telephone number of the landlord and agent in case we had any questions. We did not need to use them, however. The only downfall was our having to go out and buy our own soap and toilet paper (there was only half a roll), but we are easygoing people, so that was very minor for us, and it was no big deal.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

Whenever I emailed Gianna, the landlord, she was very prompt in replying. She had very good English, as well. Her agent upon our arrival also had adequate English so that we had no problem communicating. The photos on the website reflected what we were expecting in the apartment, other than the bathroom being downstairs from the bedroom area.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

I would recommend this rental to others, and I already have, as a matter of fact. We would also stay here again.

Things to do in this area

We felt that we were in the heart of the tourist area, being one block from the Duomo, as well as one block from the main street vendors, yet had our privacy when we were "home." Therefore, we felt the location was perfect. There were many restaurants, cafes, shops, and a pharmacy nearby.

We particulary enjoyed spending time at Osteria Nuti and Osteria Dell Agnolo since they were both cafes/restaurants that were close to home. The service, food, wine, and prices were also good in these places.

We look forward to our return to Florence, and renting from Gianna again.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.